Enjoying a coffee and dessert with Ken
Day 4: Modica to Portopalo to Avola to Siracusa and just past the turnoff to Augusta (141km)
It was another beautiful day in Sicily. We had 11 runners out covering 141km, giving STARR a cumulative mileage of 640km – 58% complete.
Sarah (15k), Mark (5k) and Jenny (10k) were up bright and early to take us on an inland route heading south east from Modica to the outskirts of Pachino.
Danny (20k) and Steve E (10k) made it to Portapolo, on the south eastern tip of Sicily, home to the Ionian Sea and our dear STARR friend, Ken. Danny and Steve welcomed a rest at a local café to refuel with espressos and some local pastries with Ken. It was Steve E who reached the hidden location of Portopalo and won his espresso or cappuccino (Little Vienna gift card). A good time was had by all. Congrats Steve!
Avola
Danny (10k) continued on, heading north with Greg (20k) to Avola. Avola is an Ionian seaside town which dates back to the Greek and Roman times. It has a history as tuna port and is known for its various foods. You might be particularly interested in the local Nero d'Avola wine, a hearty red variety exported around the world. There are also almond groves, citrus farms and vegetable cultivation here. If you up for relaxing, there is a long coastline of sandy beaches and clear sea. Luck was on Greg’s side. He was the one to locate our hidden bottle of Sicilian red wine in the city centre. Congrats, Greg. Your long run paid off.
Minnulata in Siracusa
While Greg and Danny enjoyed their drinks in Avola, Robin (17k), Tory (11k), Kari (9.2k), Vanessa (5k) and Leslie Ann (8.4k) all decided to continue north. Siracusa was the highlight. Like other places we’ve passed through, this city is deep in Greek and Roman history. According to Lonely Planet, “More than any other city, Siracusa encapsulates Sicily's timeless beauty. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards, cafe tables spill onto dazzling baroque piazzas, and honey-hued medieval side streets lead down to the sparkling blue sea. It's difficult to imagine now, but in its heyday this was the largest city in the ancient world, bigger even than Athens and Corinth.”
It’s here in this city that Vanessa found our secret destination. Vanessa enjoyed participating in a local race and earned herself a Siracusa medal. Way to go Vanessa.
After celebrating Vanessa’s win at an outside café, sampling the delicacies minnulata (almond nougat) and setteveli (7-layer Sicilian cake), STARR continued north to the turn off for Augusta and called it a night at 640km.
